Maloney Rings Nasdaq Opening Bell In Honor Of Women’s Equality Day

Congresswoman Carolyn B. Maloney (NY-12) rang the Opening Bell at Nasdaq in honor of Women’s Equality Day, which commemorates the 1920 certification of the 19th Amendment. Rep. Maloney was joined by 40 women leaders from business, government and non-profits, including Lt. Governor Kathy Hochul, National Women’s History Museum President and CEO Joan Wages and some highly decorated Girl Scouts.Congresswoman Carolyn B. Maloney (NY-12) rang the Opening Bell at the Nasdaq stock exchange on Friday, August 25 in honor of Women’s Equality Day, which is celebrated annually on August 26 and commemorates the 1920 certification of the 19th Amendment. Rep. Maloney was joined by 40 women leaders from business, government, and non-profits.Following the bell ringing, the group discussed the need for gender equality, and how a museum dedicated to women’s contributions throughout the nation’s history and passing the Equal Rights Amendment would help achieve that goal. Maloney’s Smithsonian Women’s History Museum Act, which would establish such a museum on the National Mall, has the support of the majority of the House of Representatives with 246 bipartisan co-sponsors. The bill number, H.R. 19, was specifically reserved for this legislation in honor of the 19th Amendment.

“It is thanks to the persistence of Fearless Women, like those standing here today, that we are able to celebrate Women’s Equality Day,” said Congresswoman Maloney. “Each year, we take a moment to commemorate the certification of the 19th Amendment, granting half our population one of the most fundamental democratic rights. Nearly a century has passed, and women now enjoy opportunities that our mothers and grandmothers only dreamed of, but we still do not have full equality under the law. So we gather today for two reasons – to call for the proper recognition of past contributions by women throughout US history by creating a national museum of women’s history on the National Mall in Washington, and to show our support for finally passing an Equal Rights Amendment guaranteeing Constitutional equality for men and women. Together, we can make this great nation a country where men and women are truly equal.”

“New York women have an enduring legacy in the pursuit of equal rights that began nearly 170 years ago in Seneca Falls, and as a result of their advocacy this state passed women’s suffrage three years before the rest of the nation,” said Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul. “On Women’s Equality Day, we celebrate the accomplishments of the women who led the fight for equality, setting the stage for future battles against workplace discrimination, in support of pay equity, and to preserve a woman’s right to make decisions about her health care. It’s also important to note that our work to create a culture of respect and inclusion for all women, regardless of race, ethnicity, or sexual orientation is far from over. Gender equality is a cause we are called to champion throughout our lifetime. As lieutenant governor, I consider it my mission to inspire the next generation of women to rise up and shape a more just, equitable society.”

“The vote was the first step,” said National Women’s History Museum President and CEO Joan Wages. “The National Women’s History Museum will inspire respect for women and is the next step towards gaining equality.”